The American Red Cross is sending out an appeal for blood donations.
With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, it’s always challenging to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients, but Spokeswoman Regina Conway with the Tennessee Valley Region says blood donations typically decline during the summer months.
“Families are out of town, people are busy, kids are out of school and they forget to make an appointment to donate so now is the time to come in and roll up the sleeve," said Conway.
Regina Conway says summer vacation often interrupts donations.
“That of course will cut into their availability when it comes to giving blood," said Conway. "Many schools where blood drives are being held, students are out of school for the summer and that is also a hit for a blood supply.”
All blood types are needed, but especially O-negative, which is the universal blood type that any patient can accept. Eligible donors are at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in good health.
Within our listening area, the Red Cross has blood donation centers in Paducah and Clarksville. You can find a list of blood drives in your area by going online to red-cross-blood-dot-org and typing in your zip code.
